Horseshoe Bay Beach is Bermuda’s most famous stretch of sand. With blush-pink sands, turquoise waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs, this beach consistently ranks among the world’s best. So you might be wondering why we at Bermudaful decide to avoid it on our Bermuda Island Tours!
While Horseshoe Bay Beach is beautiful, it’s frequently overcrowded and inundated with tourists. In this guide, we provide more details about why we avoid Horseshoe Bay Beach and what you can do instead. And if you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Why Not Visit Horseshoe Bay Beach?
Located in Southampton Parish on Bermuda’s South Shore, Horseshoe Bay Beach is the island’s most renowned, ranking as one of the World’s 50 Best Beaches. It’s possibly best known for its pink sands, a phenomenon Bermuda is famous for.
Sadly, the beach has become a victim of its own popularity. During peak season, you’ll find it packed with people. There’s little space to spread out and enjoy oneself, and chairs and umbrellas get rented out quickly. Add to that the noise, and it’s difficult to appreciate the true natural charm of Horseshoe Bay Beach.
Still, for many visitors, it’s a bucket list item. If you do decide to visit, we suggest going in the low season. The best months to visit are May through October, when the weather is warm. However, June through August are peak months, so expect bigger crowds, especially when cruise ships dock.
To avoid the throngs of visitors, arrive early in the morning before 10 AM or later in the afternoon after 4 PM. Midday tends to be the busiest, especially in the summer. You can also check the Bermuda cruise port schedule in advance to get an idea of how busy the beach may get.
But Horsehoe Bay is not the only place to enjoy some beach activities, nor is it the only pink-sand beach in Bermuda…
Things to Do Near Horseshoe Bay Beach
If you don’t want to miss Horseshoe Bay Beach entirely, a good option is to embark on the picturesque South Shore Park coastal trail. This trail spans between Horseshoe Bay Beach and Warwick Long Bay, just over a mile away in distance. You’ll get a taste of Horshoe Bay without jostling with crowds, and get to enjoy the island’s lesser-known gems. Make sure to stop at Jobson’s Cove, one of the most beautiful spots in all of Bermuda.
Just a 10-minute drive from Horseshoe Bay, you’ll find one of Bermuda’s most iconic landmarks. The Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse was built in 1846 and is one of the only cast-iron lighthouses in the world. You can climb 185 steps to the top for panoramic views and unbeatable photo opportunities. If you’re interested in exploring more local landmarks, read our guide to the 10 Best Cultural Attractions in Bermuda!
Alternatives to Horseshoe Bay Beach
Whether you’re looking for pink sand or space to lounge in the sun, there are plenty of worthy alternatives to Horseshoe Bay Beach:
Warwick Long Bay and Jobson’s Bay
Just a walk away from Horsehoe Bay, Warwick Long Bay is the perfect place to be if you want to experience Bermuda’s pink sands without the crowds. This long beach offers ample space to explore and admire the natural phenomenon of these uniquely colored sands. You can learn more with our Guide to Bermuda’s Gorgeous Pink Sand Beaches.
Nearby and not to be missed is the enchanting Jobson’s Cove. The sheltered waters are ideal for kids to splash about or to put on a snorkel mask and explore underwater.
Elbow Beach
Nestled in Paget Parish on the south coast, Elbow Beach boasts wide stretches of soft pink sand and calm waters. It’s perfect for a relaxing day out, with restaurants nearby and excellent snorkeling conditions. In winter, it’s popular among kite surfers.
John Smith’s Bay Beach
John Smith’s Bay is a local favourite that blends beautiful pink-tinged sand with a laid-back, unpretentious vibe. This beach is less commercialised than Bermuda’s more famous shores, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter escape. It also has abundant tropical fish swimming in its waters, beckoning to snorkelers.
Read our guide to the Best Beaches in Bermuda to learn about other unmissable spots!
Discover More of Bermuda with Us
While Horseshoe Bay Beach is undoubtedly iconic for many visitors to Bermuda, so much more of the island awaits. During our Bermuda Island Tours, we skip Horsehoe Bay Beach to spend time at lesser-known, but worthwhile locations. And if you want to avoid the crowds, join our Bermudaful Island Beach Hop to stunningly underrated beaches on the island, such as Sea Glass Beach, John Smith’s Bay Beach, and Clearwater Beach.
Whether you want to experience Horseshoe Bay Beach on a custom trip or go on a beach-hopping adventure, our team will be ready to take you! If you have any questions about our tours, feel free to contact us.
